Photo courtesy of Indiana DOT

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Smith broke ground on the Ohio River Crossing project in Evansville, Ind., on Sept. 17.

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Smith broke ground on the Ohio River Crossing project in Evansville, Ind., on Sept. 17. INDOT is overseeing this project, with construction beginning late September and continuing through 2026. The $202 million project is fully funded.

"This is another day to remember for all Hoosiers," said Holcomb. "Today signifies a key milestone toward completing the most direct, safe and efficient connection between Evansville and Henderson. This additional crossing will open the door to limitless new opportunities for transportation, economic and community development projects. I'm both grateful and proud to stand here today with so many local leaders who have worked for decades to convert ideas into blueprints, and blueprints into new connections. Indiana continues to pave a road to a brighter future due to our collaborative Hoosier work ethic."

Photo courtesy of Indiana DOT

I-69 ORX Section 3 focuses on the approach roadways and bridges that will provide all-weather construction access to the river to build the future I-69 river crossing. The roads and bridges that are part of Section 3 will be used by construction crews to build the new crossing, and drivers will use the roadways and bridges once the new I-69 bridge is complete.

"We know how important this future I-69 bridge is to Evansville and the surrounding region," said Smith. "Indiana has led the way in investing in I-69. [In August], we made the vital connection between Evansville and Indianapolis a reality and crossed the I-69 Finish Line, making it even more fitting that we're here today, taking the first steps toward completing another key connection."

I-69 ORX is divided into three sections for construction. I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bi-state project between Indiana and Kentucky that will complete the I-69 connection from U.S. 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville. It includes the new four-lane river crossing. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027 and be complete by 2031. Preconstruction activities will begin in 2025. Both states continue to look for opportunities to accelerate the timeline.

I-69 ORX Section 1 focuses on improvements in Henderson and is led by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. ORX Section 1 extends from KY 425 to U.S. 60. It includes a more than 6-mi. extension of I-69; new interchanges with U.S. 41 and U.S. 60; and a reconstructed KY 351 interchange. Construction began in summer 2022 and will be complete by the end of 2025.

For more information, visit I69OhioRiverCrossing.com.

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